Coat
Care!
Written
by Dr. Laxmi Iyer
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Does
your cat's coat stare at you lifelessly? Time for
you to take a quick look at all the things that you
need to be doing. Your cat's coat is a mirror of the
state of internal health.
Always
remember, a healthy body reflects a healthy skin coat.
If your cat is not eating as well as earlier or has
become a little less active, then you know it's time
for an annual check-up.
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A
sluggish liver, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, kidney ailments
and food allergies may all be reflected in the hair and
skin coat.
The
skin and fur coat are the first line of immunity. Millions
of bacteria are normal residents of the skin coat and
are no cause for alarm. However, it's only when there's
a break in the immunity does infection appear.
Hot
spots are bacterial skin infections that can rapidly transform
into full body infections
with your cat running a high temperature. Though this
condition is more common in dogs, cats too are vulnerable.
Be
alert and attentive. Most skin infections can be easily
taken care of when detected early.
Make
sure that your cat's bedding are kept clean, dust free.
Herbal remedies like sweet basil and turmeric are gentle
and soothing on the skin. Consult your vet and use such
homemade remedies.
Watch
out if your cat is in the habit of excessive grooming.
Some conditions that look like skin infections are actually
signs of stress or a behaviour disorder that needs a different
approach. Consult your vet and be observant.
- Make
sure that your cats are eating healthy.
- That
means they should be getting enough of the sulphur
containing amino acids, B complex vitamins, zinc,
and all the minerals and essential fatty acids that
helps to keep skin and fur healthy.
- Vitamin
E and A too should be given in optimal amounts. However,
remember that Vitamin A can be stored in the liver
and lead to signs of toxicity.
- Do
a daily tail to ear examination of the body coat.
Look for lice, fleas, ticks, open wounds, cuts, scratches
and early signs of mange.
- Try
to avoid using any strong detergents or insecticides
in the home. Make sure that your cats sit in the sun
if not everyday at least every alternate day for about
half an hour if not longer.
- Early
signs of fungal infections of the coat may be quite
inconspicous. Just a couple of patches of dropped
fur!
- Avoid
excessive grooming. Cats are naturally clean creatures
and regularly groom themselves.
- Avoid
using any dusting powders - especially the insecticidal
dusting powders. They can be toxic. If your cat has
a flea or lice infestation - apply the medicated shampoo
and wash off immediately or as per manufacturer's
instructions.
- As
far as possible use herbal skin healing compounds
like Aloe vera gel, Calendula dusting powders and
cream for minor bacterial infections.
- Neem
and Pongamia oil work well in scabies and fungal infections.
Good hygiene and careful attention to early signs
can help prevent many skin and coat ailments.
